SEC Director Held 7 Meetings On Ethereum Before Giving Infamous Security Speech

Ashish Kumar
September 28, 2022
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US SEC Submits Appeal Brief To Challenge Ripple's XRP Sales Ruling

The decision on Bill Hinman, then SEC Director’s infamous Ethereum speech has become a crucial deciding factor in the long running Ripple lawsuit. However, Eleanor Terrett, a fox journalist has posted documents of Hinman’s public calendar covering his entire tenure.

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Docs reveal SEC director meeting linked with ETH

Terrett in a Twitter thread mentioned that she received an extensive 189 pages worth of documents. As per documents, Hinman from December 20, 2017, to giving the speech at Yahoo Finance event on June 14, 2018 had different private meetings.

It revealed that the SEC director did four meetings just only with ConsenSys, an Ethereum blockchain software company. While he has two additional meetings to exclusively discuss Ethereum. However, the most highlighted meeting was done with a16z.

This sums up a total of around 7 meetings exclusively on Ethereum before the infamous speech. John Deaton, Amicus Curiae in Ripple lawsuit mentioned that the first meeting with ConsenSys on December 12, 2017, held the notation “Submission Attached” that too without explanation.

While meeting with a16z on March 28, 2018 was a safe harbor proposal that mentioned Ethereum and no other token. The very next day Hinman had a 90 minute meeting with ConsenSys. However, it was followed up with a call with Joseph Lubin, an Ethereum co founder.

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What was discussed in meetings?

However, SEC Director then met with Matt Corva, an associate of ConsenSys on May 25, 2018. Meanwhile, there were two meetings labeled as Call/Mtg re: Ethereum and “Ether”.

As per revelation, Hinman went on to meet SEC special counsel Michael Seaman. This meeting was completely about the speech. He held three special meetings with him.

XRP lawyer mentioned that another crucial meeting was with Coinbase on March 27, 2022. Meanwhile, the meeting related to the speech was only with ConsenSys and a16z. However, no one else was consulted on Hinman’s calender outside the SEC.

There is a special mention of the SEC Director’s meetings with SEC Ethics staff in the run up of the Ethereum speech.

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Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
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Why Trust CoinGape

CoinGape has covered the cryptocurrency industry since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights Read more…to our readers. Our journal analysts bring years of experience in market analysis and blockchain technology to ensure factual accuracy and balanced reporting. By following our Editorial Policy, our writers verify every source, fact-check each story, rely on reputable sources, and attribute quotes and media correctly. We also follow a rigorous Review Methodology when evaluating exchanges and tools. From emerging blockchain projects and coin launches to industry events and technical developments, we cover all facets of the digital asset space with unwavering commitment to timely, relevant information.

About Author
About Author
Ashish believes in Decentralisation and has a keen interest in evolving Blockchain technology, Cryptocurrency ecosystem, and NFTs. He aims to create awareness around the growing Crypto industry through his writings and analysis. When he is not writing, he is playing video games, watching some thriller movie, or is out for some outdoor sports. Reach me at [email protected]
Investment disclaimer: The content reflects the author’s personal views and current market conditions. Please conduct your own research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as neither the author nor the publication is responsible for any financial losses.
Ad Disclosure: This site may feature sponsored content and affiliate links. All advertisements are clearly labeled, and ad partners have no influence over our editorial content.